logo
The war on normality

The war on normality

Spectator28-05-2025

Exciting news. To 'showcase the vibrant diversity of both marine life and the LGBTQ+ community', the visionary Bristol Aquarium has just announced a one-off tour of non-binary fish. On 28 June, its Sunset Seas exhibit will 'celebrate love, life and the beauty of being yourself' by illuminating with brightly coloured lights a collection of creatures that 'defy the binary, change sex and mirror the spectrum of identities found in the human world'. Adults-only tickets are a mere £18.50, so rush to reserve your place now.
We're presumably to conclude from this racy reveal that because some fish can change sex and hermaphroditic undersea organisms are commonplace, for humans sex is a phantasmagorical multiple choice and we can change sex, too. Thus the aquarium's attendees can enjoy 'a safe, inclusive and joyful space for people to connect and be themselves'. Or be other than themselves, which is more the point.
Now, I'm fractionally sympathetic with the yearning of marine biologists to appear with-it and right-on as the hallowed month of 'Pride' looms ever closer, when their field must present few opportunities to, if you will, get in the swim of things. There's just one little problem: people are not fish.
Nature, which many progressives feign to revere, may display an exhilarating variety – or what those ineluctably drawn to the now most overused noun in the English language would choose to call 'diversity'. But nature can also be infuriatingly rigid. She may seem bossy and unfair, but Gaia determined many years ago that humans are mammals, which reproduce through the mating of male and female. I hate to break it to the scads of young people desperate to distinguish themselves from dreary flat-out men and women and dumpy old heterosexuals, but for people there is no such thing as being 'non-binary'.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

JJ Slater reunites with MAFS ex Ella Morgan as he cosies up to her AND girlfriend Katie Price in brand new snap
JJ Slater reunites with MAFS ex Ella Morgan as he cosies up to her AND girlfriend Katie Price in brand new snap

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

JJ Slater reunites with MAFS ex Ella Morgan as he cosies up to her AND girlfriend Katie Price in brand new snap

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KATIE Price's boyfriend JJ Slater reunited with his reality TV ex as the trio posed for a brand new snap at the weekend. The former glamour model's partner was all smiles despite the potential awkwardness of the meet-up with Ella Morgan, 31, at Portsmouth's Pride event. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 JJ Slater reunited with MAFS ex Ella Morgan while cosying up to girlfriend Katie Price in a brand new snap Credit: Snapchat 5 He started a relationship with Ella on the E4 series Credit: Channel 4 5 Yet now the London fashion designer is dating former glamour model Katie Credit: Splash London fashion designer JJ, 31, coupled up with Ella - the E4 show's first ever transgender bride - on Married At First Sight after initially being partnered with bride Bianca Petronzi. Yet in the end, they both decided they were better off as mates before JJ moved on to Katie, 47. After weeks of rumours and keeping their romance under wraps, I'm A Celeb star Katie confirmed her relationship with JJ last February. Yet she previously sparked concern the couple had parted ways after sharing a cryptic post about "trust." She also appeared to have deleted all traces of her man from her Instagram page last month yet now, the lovebirds appear to be back on track. This weekend, mum of five Katie captured an image of the trio together on her Snapchat video. Katie could be seen donning a skintight black bodysuit, fishnet tights and a jewel-studded crown emblazoned with the word Pricey. JJ was sandwiched in the middle, clutching a can with a Gucci man bag tucked under his arm. Ella - who has carved out a career as an LGBTQ+ campaigner and advocate since her stint on reality TV - wore a grey long-sleeve top and camel-coloured trousers as she cut a casual look backstage. She tied her brunette locks into a ponytail and flashed a huge smile to prove there is no bad blood between her ex and his new partner. Katie Price sparks concern with her skinny frame as she performs on stage in tiny bodysuit In her caption, posted to her page, Katie wrote: "My day started at 630am with Harvey smashing my TV, and this is how it ended at Portsmouth Pride." We were first to report how Katie sent her eldest, who suffers with complex needs, back to his college early after he ruined the £3K electrical device. FAN FEAR Despite Katie's happy snap at the Pride Month event, fans were left concerned by her slender look. The reality star was one of the three main acts at Portsmouth Pride on Saturday, joining the likes of Nadine Coyle, Sabrina Washington from Mis-Teeq, and Drag Race UK's River Medway and Victoria Scone. Katie Price's relationship history We take a look back at the highs and lows of Katie Price's relationship history. 1996-1998: Katie got engaged to Gladiators star Warren Furman - aka Ace - with a £3,000 ring. But their relationship didn't make it as far as 'I do'. 1998-2000: Katie described Dane Bowers as 'the love of her life' but she broke up with the singer when he allegedly cheated on her. 2001: Footballer Dwight Yorke is the father of Katie's eldest child Harvey. He has had very little to do with Harvey throughout his life. 2002: Rebounding from Dwight, Katie famously had one night of passion with Pop Idol star Gareth Gates, allegedly taking his virginity. 2002-2004: Katie was dating Scott Sullivan when she entered the jungle for I'm A Me Out Of Here!. He threatened to "punch Peter's lights out" when chemistry blossomed between her and Peter Andre. 2004-2009: The jungle romance resulted in Katie marrying Aussie pop star Peter. They had two kids, Junior and Princess, before their bitter split in 2009. 2010-2011: Fresh from her break-up with Peter, Katie enjoyed a whirlwind relationship and marriage with cage fighter Alex Reid. They split 20 months after their Las Vegas wedding. 2011: Katie briefly dated model Danny Cipriani... but it ended as quickly as it begun. 2011-2012: They didn't speak the same language, but Katie got engaged to Argentinian model Leandro Penna in 2011. He later fled home to South America. 2012-2018: Wedding bells rang once more after Katie met Kieran Hayler in 2013. They had two kids together, Jett and Bunny, before their break-up and divorce. 2018-2019: Katie moved on quickly with Kris Boyson. They had an on-off romance for one year and even got engaged. They split for good in 2019. 2019: Katie was linked to Charles Drury during her on-off relationship with Kris. Charles, who also dated Lauren Goodger, has always denied being in "official relationship" with her. 2020-2023: Car salesman Carl Woods took a shining to Katie in 2020. Their relationship was up and down for three years. They broke up for a final time last year. 2024-present: After weeks of rumours, Katie confirmed her relationship with Married At First Sight star JJ Slater in February this year. Taking to the stage, Katie channelled her inner pop princess, donning a tiny black thong bodysuit that showed off her newly enhanced bum and famous boobs. Over the course of her set, she sang songs including a piano led version of RnB classic (We Don't Have To Take Our) Clothes Off and Tell It To My Heart by Taylor Dayne, and A Whole New World – which she previously released as a single with ex-husband Peter André. But as she shed her shimmering jacket and danced in just her bodysuit, Katie's slim frame – which has been causing concern among fans – was on full display, and so was her new bum. The surgery-loving star underwent a £1,500 bum filler procedure in May which she livestreamed on TikTok from the operating table. The performer, podcaster and model previously tried to shut down fears over her weight loss, saying she decided to slim down after a long-standing foot injury and attempts at IVF made her put on weight. Speaking on her Snapchat in May, Katie said: "Yes I've lost weight. "Yes that what I've wanted to do, I've wanted to lose weight. "Because the past three, four years ago when I broke my feet and I was in a wheelchair for 10 months because they said I'd never walk again, and obviously you put weight on being in a wheelchair. "And then I did all the IVF stuff, that also puts on weight. "So yeah I did put on weight and I hated it, I felt uncomfortable and it wasn't me." 5 Ella made history as MAFS' first transgender bride Credit: Jam Press/Ella Morgan

JLo looks incredible in barely-there bikini and mesh bodysuit as she performs at WorldPride
JLo looks incredible in barely-there bikini and mesh bodysuit as she performs at WorldPride

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

JLo looks incredible in barely-there bikini and mesh bodysuit as she performs at WorldPride

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JENNIFER Lopez looked incredible in a barely-there bikini and mesh bodysuit as she performed at WorldPride. Pop superstar Jennifer, 55, flaunted her toned physique in the black two-piece with sizzling flame embellishments for her set in Washington DC. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 9 Jennifer Lopez looked incredible in a barely-there bikini as she performed at WorldPride Credit: BackGrid 9 She also wore a racy mesh bodysuit for her set Credit: BackGrid She soon changed into a nude skin-tight bodysuit featuring glossy black panels which saw her arms fully covered in sleek latex. Jennifer's light brown tresses flew back in the wind and she accentuated her natural beauty with a full face of make-up. Performing just a few miles away from the White House, the Ain't Your Mama songstress told attendees: 'We are singing and dancing right here on their front lawn, misbehaving. Yes, we are." Thanking her queer fans for their ongoing support, Jennifer added on the Festival Grounds at RFK Campus: 'Over the years, your love and your support have been a source of strength for me and today I am here to celebrate you. "I'm so happy to be able to be here to celebrate community, diversity, love, and freedom.' For her finale, Jennifer covered George Michael's Freedom! '90 with backing vocals of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington and a moving video tribute featuring LGBTQ+ pioneers including Marsha P. Johnson. She also unveiled a brand-new Pride anthem, I'm Free, and gave fans an early glimpse of her next film project. Jennifer debuted the title number from Kiss of the Spider Woman, her upcoming musical about a gay man surviving the horrors of an Argentinian prison by retreating into daydreams of a glamorous movie star. This year's WorldPride DC marked 50 years since the first Pride events were held in the U.S. capital. The festival - part of a city-wide celebration lasting several weeks - included a major parade, protest marches, and performances from big names like Doechii, Cynthia Erivo, and Troye Sivan. Jennifer Lopez slammed by fans over 'embarrassing' American Music Awards kiss with female dancer Stars including Paris Hilton, Tinashe, Trisha Paytas and Betto Who also took to the stage. It comes just weeks after JLo was slammed by fans for an "embarrassing" American Music Awards routine, which saw her kiss both male and female dancers. Her lively choreography opened the Las Vegas event on Memorial Day, and saw the I'm Real popstar belt out a variety of the year's top hits. As Jennifer transitioned from singing Benson Boone's Beautiful Things into Teddy Swims' Lose Control, she swooped in for a kiss with her backing dancers. First she shared a smooch with a male dancer, before a female grabbed her head for an extended snog. The unexpected kisses saw JLo blasted by fans who were left hugely confused by her behaviour. One suggested on X she had "lost the plot" while another posted: "Why is Jennifer Lopez kissing everyone at the AMAs?" Another viewer wrote: "Just looked up from my phone and JENNIFER LOPEZ IS KISSING A GIRL?!?!" Others then suggested the Maid In Manhattan actress had staged the routine intentionally to make ex husband Ben Affleck jealous, after their divorce was finalised. JLo stripped to a semi-sheer catsuit adorned with silver panels and jewel detail for her performance, cutting a glam figure as she styled her hair poker-straight. The AMAs host kicked off with her 2012 tune Dance Again before following with some of the year's top hits including Billie Eilish's Birds Of A Feather and Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us. She also made her mark on the event, which saw 80-year-old Rod Stewart honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, with a series of outfit changes. The star was back hosting the AMAs after having previously stepped into the role in 2015. The Love Don't Cost A Thing vocalist first graced the AMAs stage in 2001 and has gone onto perform 10 times at the prestigious awards. Previously, event bosses gushed over JLo's return to the AMA's stage - as other stars including Taylor Swift gave the event a miss. "We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Lopez back to host the American Music Awards," Jay Penske, the CEO of Dick Clark Productions said. "Jennifer's incredible talent and incomparable stage presence make her the ideal host of the show. "We know she will bring her one-of-a-kind energy to the official kick off celebration of summer." 9 Pop superstar Jennifer flaunted her toned physique on-stage Credit: BackGrid 9 Her nude skin-tight bodysuit featured glossy black panels Credit: BackGrid 9 Her arms was fully covered in sleek latex Credit: BackGrid 9 JLo performed just a few miles away from the White House in Washington DC Credit: BackGrid 9 Jennifer's light brown tresses flew back in the wind Credit: BackGrid 9 Her bikini had been enhanced with sizzling flame embellishments Credit: BackGrid

Michael Owen reveals he didn't know what Ballon d'Or was when he won it and had to ask manager about it
Michael Owen reveals he didn't know what Ballon d'Or was when he won it and had to ask manager about it

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Michael Owen reveals he didn't know what Ballon d'Or was when he won it and had to ask manager about it

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MICHAEL OWEN has admitted he had no idea what the Ballon d'Or was - even after winning it. The former Liverpool striker won the prestigious gong in 2001, beating Real Madrid icon Raul into second place. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Michael Owen has claimed he had no idea what the Ballon d'Or was Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 2 The former Liverpool striker won the annual gong in 2001 Credit: Getty Owen played 297 times for the Reds over an eight-year stint, scoring 158 goals. He later moved to Real Madrid and Manchester United, as well as earning 89 caps for England. The 45-year-old's electric pace and lethal finishing made him one of the world's most feared strikers. Owen bagged 24 goals in 46 Premier League games in 2001, catching the eye of the Ballon d'Or panel. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FRANK DISCUSSION Tottenham AGREE deal to make Thomas Frank new manager after Ange axe The award is handed out annually to Europe's best player. But after beating greats including David Beckham, Luis Figo and Thierry Henry to the award, Owen had absolutely no clue what it was. Owen told talkSPORT: "When Gerard Houllier phoned me and said 'You've won the Ballon d'Or', I'm like 'What's that gaffer'? "I didn't know what the award was. I never did because I never even knew what it was. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "Back in those days it was never in our press." Owen was just the fourth English player to win the Ballon d'Or, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan. People don't know this' - Michael Owen breaks silence on 'well done he's 13' meme 27 years on from humiliating teenager But it wasn't until he became a Galactico with Madrid in 2004 that he truly understood its significance. Owen continued: "When I played for Real Madrid, it's like an MBE, it follows you. "Whenever they mention your name it's Ballon d'Or winner. "Abroad it is so big and it's only just cottoned on here for the last five or ten years. "It's so much bigger in other countries, in foreign countries. "It quickly sunk in how big it was."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store